ARIEL
But Alan continued to remain silent, his clenched jaw showing disobedience.
Stella took my hand, her touch soothing.
"It's okay," she murmured, "we will get through this."
I nodded, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Stella and Elias. They were trying to calm the situation.
A few seconds later, my phone rang, disturbing the silence of the parlor. I paused for a moment, my heart racing with anticipation.
"Hello," I said, my voice cautious.
"Ariel," Maria's voice crooned on the other end of the line.
"I told you I have spies. I know you are acting up to manipulate me," she said.
I felt a surge of shock. How did she know? I glanced around the room, meeting the eyes of Alan, Elias, and Stella. Alan's face was pale, Elias' face was furrowed with surprise, and Stella's brow fill
